The Wind Cries Mary by John McLaughlin and Sting - awesome version of Hendrix song

[@suranjandas597]

One of the best Hendrix covers I've heard

[@Quintessentguy]

Of course, I agree. Thank you for the comment.

[@jhandle4196]

Check out Gary Moore's covers of Jimi, especially the ones where he's playing with Billy Cox on bass, and Mitch Mitchell on drums.. Hard to get more authentic than that.

[@mikelistman5263]

Hendrix was an amazing lyricist! The words to this song are poetry.

[@pablotorres7436]

Yep!

[@J.OKRoadrunner]

He was also the greatest Artist of any kind ever….

[@TheVeryBlondeOne]

What I like about John McLaughlin is that he does not imitate others' style. He puts his own style there.

[@jamesbond4633]

Blondie ...how do you know so much about music?!!!

[@michaelmook4768]

@@jamesbond4633 all you have to do is listen to mclaughlans solo to know this ..doesnt require einstein to figure it ..

[@Becker333]

He ALWAYS has soul and feeling with the SPEED!!!

[@JoeKoOhNo]

He sucks in every genre. Sting, also.

@@Becker333 not this time, sadly... He sounds like he's soloing to the wrong song. Yes, he's probably sidestepping, ripping apart cromatically the guitar neck or using some exotic scale that my feeble mind can barely comprehend, just admire, but... The solo robs the music of it's gentle feel, highjacking it, putting itself front and center.

[@mwalker3547]

Jimi would love this.....❤

[@Telezynsk]

John McLaughlin and Sting interpreting Hendrix! What a worderful partnership!

[@adnilrummut105]

very sensible solo by john here. jimi would be glad.

[@goodkawz]

I have always loved this song since I first heard it about 50 years ago. While in the Marines. Hearing the Hendrix original as the intro to a Christian radio program brought me here today. ¡! 🤔🤭 I listened to this a few times, while reading most of the comments, and then a few more times without distraction. It grew on me. I’m tonally and rhythmically challenged, so I probably don’t even understand the comments as well as I seem to, This cover seems to rip at my feelings a little more each time I listen. “Rip” in a good way. Exquisite bluesy pain mixed with comfort. The lack of perfect unity of feeling between the musicians, from this tyro perspective, is not due to the musicians being unaware of each other. There is or was a band where I live called “Mixed Emotions”, and mixed emotions are in the wind of this classic. Well captured in this cover. At least for now. IMHO. I think the performers have offered a lot (really a lot!) to those of us who don’t (maybe because we can’t) begin and end our listening experience as critics. peace

[@Quintessentguy]

Thanks for your comments and perspective. As the poster, I went back and listened to this cut for the umpteenth time with your inspiration. I always hear something new each time. I'm always blown away starting at 2:20 or so.

[@johannesswarts1440]

Absolutely lovely!

[@simonyork5564]

One of the sweetest guitar solos I've ever heard. When you listen to what's going on at a molecular level, (nano quavers, if I may coin a phrase). It squeals at you so beautifully. The phrasing is just unique, to say the least. I get so tired of hearing the same old licks, as beautifully played as they often are. This approach to the solo has grace and elegance; imagination and a playful naiveté. Even the fret noise has intention and is well placed in the phrasing and there is a controlled feed back that sits there providing a kind of harmony. McGlaughlin is very often a misunderstood guitarist; often criticized for playing too fast. It is clear to me that he uses speed to create intensity and playfulness that I fully get and love about his playing. He once said that he seeks to 'express the inexpressible' in his music. If guitars 'gently weep' then I often hear tears of joy and sorrow; but McGlaighlin gets all the moods and emotions in between. My hat is off.

[@wannapg3750]

I think this solo belongs somewhere else. JM doesn't seem to consider the context that he is playing in. It's as though Mary is considering suicide, judging by the horrifying screams that come from the solo. This song should have a quite and melancholy tone to it, not a screaming guitar solo.

[@Quintessentguy]

Simon York That, sir, is an excellent comment. You expressed things I have felt about McLaughlin's playing in this song, but could not formulate into words. I think it's the naysayers on here who do not have the ears to hear. Thank you.

[@Gregorypeckory]

Wanna PG Play it any way you want. John McLaughlin plays it his way, and it is magnificent and unique; your narrow view of how it "should" sound notwithstanding.

[@stringzzzz1]

Simon York Yes... Well put, Simon. I'm still digesting this tune here on my second replay. I do love hearing John's, long since abandoned, HIGH VOLTAGE approach, combined with sonic resolve. Another way of saying this is, "A validation of "the treatment needed," as jazz critics have coined when working with the aspects of preservation, regarding the composers intent. By maintaining the spirit of Jimi's rhythmic phrasings and fusing an inspired homage during the solo section, this much is to be justified. Hendrix, not just a bluesmen., but possessed a strong combination of delta blues, rock'in roll, and a Motown/Montgomery vocabularies, facilitated via this same vehicle heard here, in so many of his works. As you mentioned about John, Jimi's conveyance of the inexpressible, is much like what John's opinions reflect about his own vision., These are shared attributes. Clearly., Hendrix inspired and influenced a great-many guitarist, including McLaughlin. John employs in his own way, like any self-respecting artist would, the delicate manner of "treatment" while having the liberal freedom to expand on this "Poetic Masterpiece., Jimi Hendrix's - 'The Wind Cries Mary.' ------- In reflection to your words, Simon... I too feel a certain insight and affinity to McLaughlin's vision. Having been exposed to the mans work before my teens. I find that today, it bares me an intuitive understanding to the celestial nature of McLaughlin's work. The 70's especially. A Mahavishnu Orch. fan since it's inception. Of course, like John's musical evolution, It took years to comprehend the full magnitude of meanings one may come to understand as an adult, like Coltrane and odd time signatures, let alone a kid faced with the times this content was composed/written in. Viet Nam was on the evening news, nightly. Of course, we don't start at the top. But there's something to say about being exposed to the concept., "Expressing the Inexpressible." This can move a child with an ear for music. For myself as a wittiness, the musical ideas, or should I say, 'Extrapolations', of what John had produced back then can not be understated in this psyche of the mind's eye. His earlier works gave me the framework to base theses observations from. 'Devotion' Lp. 'Extrapolation' Lp. 'My Goals Beyond' Lp I can go on but I'm terrible at keeping it short. The man's career is a nothing less than a full range account of pioneering brilliance, taking a genuine discipleship principals to the level of a Master Guru, in his own right. the "Expressing the inexpressible." A lifetime achievement award is relevant here for this international hippy. Right John? lol. I can only encourage young musicians to get exposed to jazz fusion groups of the 70's. From there, you'll find something worth pursuing. -------- Of course... Many McLaughlin and Hendrix fans alike, along with the music industry vipers, have come to know of McL and Jimi's, mini collaboration recording. Some informal blues jam taking place. The idea of these two, and I don't mean popular, arguably thee "most influential guitarist," living and playing together "in they're own time" is a discovery that you would think, never be passed over. And under some some unprepared setting of all things. Did someone yell "DOG PILE!!!" Unfortunately, much of what this encounter was left to chance in terms of content and prepared arrangements. Recording quality was also not the standard and very poor, as well. As was the recording attempt, itself. Nevertheless.., The significance of this "Meeting of the Spirits, so to speak," is a deep subject in itself. (and it's out here on Y Tube) Briefly, with the likely reason of such.., It's my personal feeling that McLaughlin wanted to protect the memory of Jimi and himself by simply not releasing the content to the world, knowing it didn't stand on it's own. By allowing the common critic of the day, that being of 'The Rolling Stone Magazine' variety, would of had a field day trashing Hendrix which was there actual job at the time, under big bother's watchful eye, conducting their defaming campaign for all the rock stars that just happened to disappear by death. So, an unreleasable warmup noodlings of informal content from a recorder left on continuous record mode was sure to be exploited by the pariah hacks and profiteers of that day, swarming the never-heard material. And yet, somehow... John changed his position on keeping the tapes out of the public domain to conceded to the fan-ship of guitarists and music historians, making the withholding issue a selfish matter. Combine that with fictitious accounts of recorded content followed by inquires wanting whats denied them... I can only assume John did what only needed to be done. So if anyone reading here hasn't heard these recordings by now, they're not hard to find. I don't feel the need to link them on this post. There are interesting to hear and have highlights to ponder. In general., A working on some blues approaches to be later pursued for an actual project, right before Hendrix was taken from us. ----- There is an element I think deserves focus on just how down to earth and yet powerful in pride, under the times of fear and uncertainty for a any Black American man. Let alone, Hendrix... This had to be the essence of raw courage when I here the freedom in Jimi's work.. Closure... After a fifty year moratorium on accessing, now un-classified doc. and a dissemination official hospital records, doctors, nurses, ambulance personnel and staff members a the scene, all derectly in contact to the corpse of Jimi's body provide ' a of all accounts and records,, I come to believe Jimi was a victim of one of the ugliest times in U.S history. Latest documents confirm, Jimi was a targeted mark for the FBI's youth suppression agenda and as a potential threat, had to be, and was, neutralized. Plain and simple. His manager... being "The handler," his girlfriend, being "The Lover - turned Liaison" to the powers that be. and are highly suspect in what can only be a pre-approved solution in place to what was conceived as a national threat in to the youth culture of the time. place, long before any possible associations with the Black Panthers were to gain Jimi's attention. Jimi Hendrix R.I.P. our ascending Angel.

[@belliose]

Wanna PG: Couldn't agree more. I've tried my whole life to like McLaughlin but his interpretations almost always seem forced and out-of-place. This is typical. Sting doesn't help either.

[@Quintessentguy]

This cut is from the tribute to Jimi Hendrix album "In From the Storm". You can find it on Amazon, Wikipedia, etc. I posted this song for the enjoyment of anyone who cares to give a listen because it's the best cover I've heard of a Hendrix song. If you want to leave a critical review, I suggest you go onto Amazon or a similar site where people are considering buying the album. I've decided, as it's my prerogative, to delete negative comments since this post is not about enabling people to be music critics, but about enjoying the music.

[@johnhall2709]

+Quintessentguy very nice version. I urge you to chase down the acoustic version by Australian Geoff Achison.....very tasty indeed!

[@Fwhole]

Thanks for saying which album it's from. I'm going to check it out now.

[@mitchellwatermanwaterman3062]

You can also find this song on his first album, Are you Experienced!

[@kilimanjarno]

Quintessentguy, thank you, both for the great music and for your policy of deleting negative comments. And thanks one more time for this masterpiece.

[@fernandogarajalde4066]

Yep, take my money Amazon, I need this for my library. 🎆🎸

[@biffdorkinton555]

Wow, love, freedom and fire in John's solo. Thanks for this post.

[@joeconti4392]

Fantastic!!!!! Those spooky riffs are straight from heaven--JM's playing is other-dimensional.

[@JohnnyBeeDawg]

That is a PERFECT solo for this song! Amazing. Hendrix would have loved this.

[@Quintessentguy]

JohnnyBee Dawg Agree, Hendrix would have totally loved what these guys did with his song. He had a creative and imaginative approach, needless to say, unlike many wanna be experts on here, who feel this immense power, it seems, in dissing what others appreciate.

[@oudaram1]

By the way, Sting and McLaughlin have been some of my biggest influences, saw the mahavishnu orchestra 6 or 7 times and it was mind blowing everytime, at least for me. Sting is beyond words as a composer and musician. I thought i would just give my honest feeling, but you're right, maybe honesty isn't called for if some else gets mad about it. Peace. (by the way, i didn't feel any immense power whatsoever, are you sure being honest does that? It usually just gets me in trouble! Ha)

[@beenderedonedat]

I played it to Randy Hansen and he loved it, saying JmL actually improved the song

[@nahuelalejandrofernandez1936]

@@Quintessentguy y

[@johnmichael1594]

of course jimi would have praised this performance. but then again, jimi was a consummate gentleman, and generous to a fault. i, on the other hand, am free to be brutally honest. while i appreciate john mclaughlin's prodigious work, he completely misses the boat here. w/ the vamps and chord fills a la jimi, he stays true to the piece. but when he solos, he ignores the subtle modal shifts of jimi's melodic lines, and instead rampages thru his break like a bull in a china shop, substituting speed for virtuosity, and cliche atonal contrivances for artistic expression. C-.

[@taildragger53]

John is a wonderful person. I sort of see how he's approached the solo in a Coltrane fashion.He (John ) carries his own signature. Thank you so much for uploading this track from this superb CD.

[@davidbolton315]

Fantastic-new to my ears-expressive, expansive, John giving it his all, like everything else he does. And Sting sounds great like he always does. It's not another recapitulated blues anthem, which is probably what's most familiar to people who don't dig it.

[@asmrdadbod2483]

Cool.

[@scottbulmer7160]

I think Jimi would have loved the way JM "injected his flavor" into this song. Thanks for the post.

[@007zz]

He loved Jimi's playing, and the other way around.

[@monkeysbum999]

He certainly would

[@34hedgehog]

Johnny Mac; one of the nicest rock stars I've ever met.

[@Quintessentguy]

Just ran across this opinion on McLaughlin: "March 2010. Jeff Beck: "John McLaughlin has given us so many different facets of the guitar. And introduced thousands of us to world music, by blending Indian music with jazz and classical. I'd say he was the best guitarist alive". That's pretty serious praise!

[@pobinr]

I'm amazed Claprton, Beck & Page never praise Allan Holdswoth

[@Gregorypeckory]

pobinr The only one of those three whose opinion means anything is Beck. I suspect he is in awe of Allan, as he is of John McLaughlin.

[@johnjtheoriginal]

pobinr but McLaughlin praised Holdsworth; they both are geniuses

[@ppeterh]

+pobinr I think Jeff Beck did on at least one occasion.

[@ppeterh]

+johnjtheoriginal And to think they were born and raised within 40 miles of each other, in the same era (John is 4 years older than Allan). It must've been something in the water. ;-)

[@johngulino2651]

Fantastic. 😀

[@jerrys8691]

Wow, how awesome is this!! Thanks

[@fredandpattychandler4130]

Fusionistic, Jimi. Jimi Hendrix would have loved this version. Very daring and exciting. John McLaughlin, is always a masterful innovative artist. Thank you for posting.

[@Zonydeep]

Best I've heard jm play.

[@jonnykk1]

Vinnie! GOAT

[@Quintessentguy]

I shoulda said, Mclaughlin, Sting, and Coliauta!

[@fintanwardell]

Sting says in the liner notes to one of his live albums that the Jimi Hendrix concert he went to was the best concert he ever saw. This is a lovely tribute and John McLaughlin is away with it!

[@modalbackingtracks7546]

mc laughlin is an amazing musician and his rendition is full of respect .....

[@Quintessentguy]

I'm pleasantly surprised at how many musicians superior to John McLaughlin, and even Jimmy Hendrix, have blessed us with their comments on this page! The only thing missing is any piece of their musicianship that not only demonstrates their superiority with a recording, but anything that justifies their opinions! Oh well, like they say, opinions are like assholes, we all have one...... Malcolm Browning, how about some of your superior guitar licks shared? How about some of your published music criticism, since you probably can't play a lick? Haha, it is what makes it fun, internet fun, the inferior and unsuccessful get to criticize those with the opposite traits!

[@Quintessentguy]

Humphrey, thanks for your comments. Irritating? Isn't that a bit strong for someone who listened to this cover, what, at most, twice? So, you have different taste. I have not condemned anyone for that, or an alternative opinion. However, you should look at previous comments about "Covering" and what that means. It's a new iteration, not meant to replicate Hendrix's phrasing. And then, you write "the vocals in this McLayughlin/Sting version crucify the rawness and pure feeling Hendrix invested in his communication". Really, Sting serves to "Crucify"? And yet you call out my mild-mannered sarcasm. At least I used a simile, not an outright crucifixion. haha, it's all good and entertaining, you just added to it, another who might best also heed his own advice before casting stones.

[@Quintessentguy]

+Humphrey Ghostwriter Actually, the difference is that I offered up a favorite piece of music for people to enjoy. Enjoy it or not, fine, and I'm happy most people do. If not, move on would be my recommendation. By the time people see your review, they've already listened and formed their own impressions of the piece. Therefore, your review serves no useful purpose, it's just a negative opinion that may cause those who are already negative to reinforce their own negative view, or may cause those who enjoyed it to think something is possibly wrong with their opinion. At least a review of a movie or restaurant typically offers the reader a choice to go ahead and check out the entertainment at issue or not, but your review serves no such purpose. It's really just a negative comment unless you think your opinion is so important that it's educational. Personally, I don't think so. I agree that Sting's vocal is the weakest part of the song, but I don't put that out there that he's "crucified" it. The only service for your negative review, like most of the others, is to boost your own ego and give you a sense that you're an important online reviewer. Haha. NOT.

[@Quintessentguy]

+Quintessentguy Thanks, Humphrey Ghostwriter, I am duly chastened by your ghostwriting.

[@betterthantelly2993]

Haaaaa well put! I'm laughing at your humour in case anyone is offended!! God we've lost our bollocks thank goodness these Kings played from them!

[@russellgeorge1993]

I know its my opinion but JM is the greatest guitarist of all time!

[@williamlenihan7536]

Fantastic playing by the entire band. Jimi Hendrix would have completely loved this.

[@LuvHrtZ]

Gorgeous on every level.

[@JamesZaworski]

Okay, definitely McLaughllin!! I never knew he collaborated with Sting. Cool

[@fizzytinki]

Just reading the technical comments are unbelievable! But some of you are pros and expound thusly. For the rest of us who grew up with a little Hendrix, MahaVishnu John and later with Sting, this is freaking awesome. The fact that these artists gave tribute to Jimi's song is more than enough for us who haven't or may never see any of these guys in our lifetime. As per lyrics of the Funkadelic _ PLAY ON! I'm thankful........

[@sabiner.1604]

To respectfully cover the music of Jimi Hendrix is no easy task and there is no question about the stature of these amazing musicians, but I think The Snake Music version with Jack Bruce of The Wind Cries Mary is the One. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGmohGuJrZyjmc0

[@JahBagaI]

Just love this version.. fab!

[@glass2467]

McLaughlin is killing this! Sting must have been shitting his pants.

[@ritamarie4453]

Leave it Mclaughlin. What a kick A" " arrangement! May we have more, Sir?

[@thewordofgord]

excellent thank you.

[@Quintessentguy]

I wonder how many of the "music critics" commenting here listened to this song more than once, before rendering an expert opinion? Haha. Or considered this recording is from a collection album of artists doing tribute covers to Hendrix? Or considered what Hendrix himself said on one recording of his cover of "Sunshine of Your Love": "It's not like we think we can play it better than them, we just want to do our own thing with it". Should he then be compared to Clapton? Cream does it way better, IMHO. I don't diss Hendrix for that, he does his own thing, and it still rocks. From about 2:50 on in this recording, McLaughlin gives me goosebumps, still after 40 or 50 listens. Listen again! :)

[@Samsgarden]

Quintessentguy Great version

[@lesnyk255]

+Quintessentguy Was this an outtake from "The Promise"? That's got the only other Sting/JM collaboration I'm aware of.

[@Quintessentguy]

lesnyk255 Power of Soul: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix is a 2004 tribute album

[@PeasInOurThyme4U]

+Quintessentguy Huge fan of Hendrix and held a ticket in my hand but the show got canceled. So I went into this one not expecting to like it but ... well ... you discovered the same thing, didn't you.

[@heavenlymusiccorporationultd]

+Quintessentguy ..it's like all the centuries before - if someone plays the song of another she/he show her/his acknowledgment and admiration . as Bach made transcriptions to the work of Vivaldi - everyone is learning from each other

[@BastiatHayek]

Sting (voc/b), John McLaughlin (g) and Vinnie Colaiuta (d) in 1995.

[@metinaksut]

it is my favourite song og Jimmy .... This is a great cover of it .... Thanks for sharing .....

[@udomatthiasdrums5322]

wow, what a wonderful music!! like it!!

[@brunogiordano4977]

Je connaissais tout d'hendrix, presque tout de Laughlin,mais pas ce morceau.Merci pour la bande son.

[@LuvHrtZ]

Glorious!

[@wonder6789]

McLaughlin at his best.

[@Quintessentguy]

Some people get it. Congratulations, you're one.

[@slimturnpike]

+Quintessentguy count me in

[@kennyblackbird2853]

Very nice 👍

[@kenswinton4743]

Life comes full circle! Miles Beyond is John's take on Miles' Miss Mabry which was Miles take on Hendrix's The wind cries Mary. Brilliant.

[@Quintessentguy]

Really? That's awesome!

[@alandesouzacruz5124]

Magnífique chanson

[@silvabakx6396]

Johnny Depp & Jeff Beck came to mind while I was listening to this for some reason

[@MrCretemaniam]

I am a very solid Jimi Hendrix fan forever and this is one of my favorite songs by Jimi . I don't recall many people covering the song before.so when I saw the title to this video I wasn't expecting to be crazy about it . But of course it is John McLaughlin.... And of course it is really good.

[@PierreVeniot]

John and Sting... wow.

[@johnjtheoriginal]

my favourite JML's LP is "my goal's beyond" but i think that in every solo he does not play looking for speed, but looking for some absolute being; he uses ragas, coltrane, flamenco or blues, but his own approach to the music is mystical (all IMHO, of course)

[@gregmcnair4272]

Whoa...what an arrangement!

[@johnnyfoosball3138]

Never liked any Sting or Police songs much but he sounds good on this ...... and John McLaughlin smokes on this

[@bobbysbackingtracks]

Never liked any Sting or Police songs? Too bad.

[@billgibson9]

STING STINKS!!!

[@bobbysbackingtracks]

billgibson9 He smells WAY better than you.

[@jt4288]

billgibson9 Well, get your nose out of his butt!

[@shirazbopp]

Wow! Just discovered this one! Stings vocals nails the soulful feeling of the original… Then… John’s spirited fretboard virtuosity more than amply plays tribute to the Original. One Heck of a Band in Heaven!

[@joeconti4392]

"The wind screams Mary"-- we can hear these preternatural screams in J. M.'s riffs.

[@timpenfield5]

Sick solo, wish JH was alive to hear it.

[@Transperception0]

Thanks I'm guitarist and singer my hero for guitar is john and guess who's one of my fav singer :-) So thanks a lot for this... wish every bonus track played at a cocktail on the beach sounds as good ;-)

[@if6was929]

A bold and elegant, encomium by Maestro John McLaughlin. Outstanding!

[@fernado39]

Superb musician

[@Quintessentguy]

I saw Vinnie Colaiuta play with Jeff Beck in Oakland, CA, and never realized until now that he's the drummer on this piece. Thanks to Tony Callaghan for reminding of his name. Check out his playing with Jeff Beck, he is sick on drums! www.drummerworld.com/Videos/vinniecolaiutaleadboots.html

[@paullevine1813]

Throwing away some of the silly negative comments here we can't forget that Jimi & John had a mutual respect for each other & played together many times. I believe John in his impeccable playing style does a fine job interpreting his take on one of Jimi's finest tunes. If your looking for him to play this as Jimi would have your in the wrong place. Though i'm not much of a Sting fan but he delivers the vocals in fine style. As Jimi was headed in a Jazz direction before his passing & seeing that JM & he were friends i have no doubt he would have been pleased to hear this . Jonn is certainly one of our greatest players & he is more than capable of covering others material even though he has no need to to so, i think it's a matter of respect he does. Saw Mahavishnu Orchestra in 1973 in Washington DC & man they had to contract roofers to put the roof back on after they blew it clean off & Paramedics were needed to resuscitate the rest of us as they performed the entire Birds of Fire LP & most of the Inner Mounting Flame. Truly one of the best shows of that year i ever saw.

[@Quintessentguy]

paul levine Great comment, thanks for posting! Totally agree, Jimi would love this tribute.

[@paullevine1813]

Thank you sir , I am not a Jazz player but i have been playing since the late 60s & grew up with JM & Jimi , Duane Allman & the great rock & fusion players that made those years so much fun. Sometimes i guess that people tend to read way too much into interpretations of covers instead of just listening to what is coming from the musicians that are relaying what is their musical feeling & take on the song is. If you can't enjoy it just move on to something else or share your own take on it & accept the criticism of others. As i said i am not a Jazz player but i would like to share a composition of my own which i did with some friends i grew up with in the 70s. If you would like to give it a listen please feel free & leave me a comment good or bad. As i can't sing i just do instrumentals unless i can find a singer. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHnNYWece7mlkKs&feature=em-comments

[@Quintessentguy]

Thanks, Paul, I listened to your cut on YT and left a comment. Very nice composition and playing, and, as a drummer, I will say your friend plays very well too. :)

[@paullevine1813]

Thanks, I would tell him you said that but we lost track of him years ago & though i still remain best friends with the Bass player the drummer John moved somewhere out of State & i have not heard from him in years. He was a good drummer & i imagine if he is still playing he's even better now. I thank you for taking the time to give a listen. As of yesterday i ran across a download only MP3 recording of the Mahavishnu Orchestra from the 1973 Central Park concerts they released as Between Nothingness & Eternity . These are the recordings that they never released & have been in a vault since those concerts. I got them from Itunes for 6 bucks & they as clean as the original record. These are 7 new unreleased tracks that will spin your head around. On track is the song One Word off the Birds of Fire record that over 18 minutes long & has Billy Cobham on fire during that awesome drum solo he did on that song. Well worth hearing & owning. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWW7dqCbl5ecqqM Enjoy... One last ? do you know who the drummer on this is ?

[@augustbeck8288]

John played on crash landing album

[@justingray3456]

I say this take kicks ass!

[@solaroberto7435]

Wow sono bravissimi!

[@thomasfourounjian3805]

Outfukingstanding!

[@kyotojoel]

Sheets of sound in John's solos. Sounds like he's channeling Coltrane....holy crap.

[@artysanmobile]

A tribute, indeed.

[@day44music]

Excellent!

[@jon780249]

Really interesting to hear McLaughlin’s solo interpretation. He thought highly of and of course knew Hendrix.

[@bassmonk2920]

More.............

[@patrickarden7971]

Forgive me, i'm not bragging, but in that picture of John he is holding the guitar my friend Rex Bogue made and did the inlay on the neck also. I don't know if thats what he's playing on this song, was surprised to see it . We all lived in San Gabriel, Calif. and few of us knew Rex was making guitars.

[@masterofdrones7287]

Fascinating Patrick, Information about Rex is thin on the Net. Are you saying that YOU did the inlay? Amazing if thats the case. As you probably know, the guitar was broken in 1975 and written off by the insurance company. BUT, there are strong rumours around the web that the guitar was purchased, repaired and is hidden in some secret collection somewhere.

[@scunnerloon]

John Mc Laughlin, does what he does best he's a leader, he cannot cover others material, but he's one of many to fail on this song, he hasn't got that emotion. Stevie Ray Vaughan, get's it right!

[@pablo_brianese]

Hello, do you know where I can listen to SRV version? Thank you

[@scunnerloon]

Pablo Brianese Sorry no! I thought it was on this list on KZbin, I may have confused with SRV's cover of 'Little Wing'

[@JohnnyBeeDawg]

david j Kay He didn't fail at this at all. You missed it.

[@scunnerloon]

JohnnyBee Dawg How about, you liked what you heard, I didn't particularly like what I heard. He's entitled to his interpretation, but it doesn't move me, failed!

[@JohnnyBeeDawg]

It didn't fail. You just didn't like it.

[@chrisgibson1406]

Amazing.

[@max-herzog]

Thanks for sharing this, I wasn't aware this existed. I suppose many who come here to hear a Hendrix Cover come with a certain kind of expectation. This is actually still pretty close to the original to my ears (except for John's soloing). Great stuff anyways. You either love it or you don't. Don't hate the haters, you won't make them like it any better.

[@slimturnpike]

Such a bold and fearless guitar solo

[@Quintessentguy]

And yet, everything in just the right place. Lots of space for the bending of notes, then the flurries building to crescendos.

[@slimturnpike]

+Quintessentguy agreed. Masterful.

[@lastdaysguitar]

It's Bold as Love.

[@snapperco]

One of fAV tunes....BAMF lead here .....killer

[@jeffherold3791]

JM produce such sweet tone!

[@TheZappanut]

Vinnie was my favorite Zappa drummer.

[@mymixture965]

Great version

[@iooooi2648]

Oh there was little wing also on nothing like the sun and even better.

[@philcolisovclosetotheedge2973]

And it's very simple John is the best guitarist in the history of rock music (although maybe for now)

[@davebowman8407]

Awesome !

[@raulmacias1311]

I love John McLaughlin! I've seen McLaughlin in concert a few times over the years. I was most impressed with seeing The Mahavishnu Orchestra in November,1973 at the Long Beach Arena! Man! It was truly a religious experience! My late brother Anthony, a Guitarist and I would every now and then, remember fondly the incredible experience of seeing that band in concert! The volume! The Spiritual intensity was so very transcendent! Sadly, The Mahavishnu Orchestra broke up in December, 1973 New Years Eve 1973/1974 the next month. I'm a little disappointed in McLaughlin's solo in that it's very over the top! This is a very soft piece by Jimi Hendrix. I'm sorry to say that McLaughlin's Guitar solo is very misplaced. That is very uncharacteristic of McLaughlin! McLaughlin usually builds up in intensity while soloing. Fans, if it interests you, please give a listen to my all-time favorite John McLaughlin Guitar solo. It's on The Mahavishnu Orchestra track called "I Wonder". Violinist Jerry Goodman wrote the piece and is very Spiritual and Ethereal in nature! At the time of recording "I Wonder", Mahavishnu John McLaughlin was involved in a project with Devadip Carlos Santana which eventually was released as " Love, Devotion, Surrender". You can hear Carlos' influence on McLaughlin in that, during his solo, McLaughlin is not just utilizing speed but being much more expressive in pulling the strings and the use of phrasing. All The Best! Raul.😐

[@timhoovermusicman]

Its all good,I enjoyed this.

[@andreasnendza9667]

I saw him 15 Times over the last 50 years, mostly in Germany. He's so incredibly international, always humble, inspired by Sri Chinmoy as spiritual leader. 😇

[@johnk6598]

Solo worked for me. Hendrix was over the top and this would have made him proud. Awesome

[@WaveRyeDer99]

Sheer madness...madness I tell you...madness!!!!!!

[@innocentoctave]

Better than I'd expected .

[@josephowonantsama8614]

Une maturité et une maîtrise parfaite de leur art: John McLaughlin et Sting nous mènent très loin dans la régression où Hendrix, lui-même "apparait" furtivement, et repart aussitôt, laissant planer sur cette interprétation très "fusion", dirais-je, son ombre bienfaitrice...Cette interprétation est une véritable oeuvre d'art musicale!

[@georgestevens1502]

Simply sublime. Sting also did a great jazz arrangement performance of Angel on SNL. But he didn't have the virtuosity of John M for that one. John met Jimi early in Jomi's move to the UK. Mitch Mitchell took John to see Jimi the first time I believe.

[@aazo999]

Sounds good to me

[@stephenrice4554]

John mc Laughlin and Sting, not a pairing that springs to mind , but damn , it smokes

[@roberthamel3241]

Never noticed before but you can hear the same Hendrix passage - between the chorus and verse - in the intro to We’ll Be Together Tonight.

[@MrJETCITY]

John McLaughlin 'shreds'. HaHaHa. You had me there for a minute.

[@gibsonfan159]

+Mickey Mouse I think he invented shred, although he certainly didn't master it.

[@MrJETCITY]

+Chuck B 'John McLaughlin with the One Truth Band - Electric Dreams' is one of my favourite recordings ever. This one is just embarrassing imho.

[@berniarmstrong]

Can't help thinking Jimi would have played half of the notes in these solos, but with twice the feeling. Cracking vocal by Sting, though. And John Mc was brilliant in Shakti and Mahavishnu etc.

[@Civilizashum]

"Can't help thinking Jimi would have played half of the notes in these solos, but with twice the feeling." I can't help thinking you had that opinion before you heard one note.

[@Quintessentguy]

Jan Civil Haha! Good one, Jan. I don't get most of the criticisms. It's a cover, but these artists give it their own flavor. Should McLaughlin try to sound like Hendrix? No, he sounds fantastic playing it his way, same with Sting and Colaiuta. Emperor Joseph II to Mozart in Amadeus: "There are simply too many notes."

[@Civilizashum]

Quintessentguy I think McLaughlin totally understands what Hendrix did throughout. I find it's a great solo with a whole lot of emotion. Such attention to tone, everything... I'm not typically in love with Sting's vocal mannerisms but ultimately I think he gets into something that really works for this song. And to say what Vinnie did here is 'pop, not jazz' is missing something essential in favor of - like the too many notes - ideology.

[@Quintessentguy]

Jan Civil I re-listened to the song with all this in mind, and totally agree with your points, Jan. Much emotion and wonderful tonality in McLaughlin's playing. Sting, at worst, does not get in the way of the song. Considering how Vinnie can wail, same goes for him. He plays great with the solo, too.

[@berniarmstrong]

Jan Civil Actually I didn't ... and BTW I have every JM album up to the Shakti period.

[@keleniengaluafe2600]

❤❤❤❤👍👍

[@LuvHrtZ]

Fucking amazing guitar solo!

[@willy44]

somehow Vinnie has the greatest 'cross/stick' sound on so many recordings.. not to mention that he is Great... and Stunk and many other's WAIT for him to Tour ! - Yes Mr. Drummer Man

[@JavierMartinez-rz4vc]

90’s Vinnie ,.

[@thewomble1509]

@@JavierMartinez-rz4vc Yes, definitely Colaiuta.

[@ricardodesotorodriguez3503]

I've love this cover. Tx again Quintessentguy... opinions are opinions and fools opine too!

[@oldbladderhorn949]

nice bit of drumming... and orchestra guitar like a violin in parts

[@LeeSKennedy]

The WIND cries "Bathsheba".....and when Mary joined her adopted SON in Heaven, Mary TOLD THE TRUTH, where women are free of their worldly 'trappings', and the WOMEN in the heavens today RECON it as Righteousness.

[@JB-kv8yt]

Damn.... awesone performance......... Mclaughlin still surprises me........... chapeau l'artiste!!!

[@sandymorrison2119]

I'm not familiar with John Mclaughlins stuff but he sounds to me very much like Frank Zappa....that can only be a good thing.....I'm gonna go an check out so other JM stuff....

[@tuxguys]

First off (according to Discogs): The Wind Cries Mary Drums - Vinnie Colaiuta Lead Guitar - John McLaughlin Rhythm Guitar - Dominic Miller, John McLaughlin Vocals, Bass - Sting All you "purists" down below are being shockingly short-sighted... Mahavishnu John doesn't play like Hendrix, he plays like himself; Sting doesn't sing like Hendrix, nor does he play bass like Noel Redding, he does both like himself; Colaiuta doesn't play like Mitch Mitchell, he plays like himself. These four (including Miller, the "rhythm" guitarist) are making no attempt to recreate one of Jimi's most musically and poetically tender ballads... They're paying tribute to one of the Giants upon whose Shoulders they Stand. (In the case of McLaughlin, he and Hendrix were exact contemporaries, as the future Mahavishnu was in the Graham Bond Organization with a couple of kids named Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker at the exact same time that Hendrix was also in the U.K. putting together his Experience, with Mitchell and Redding.) Really, lighten up... It's not Holy Writ, it's something much more Sacramental: It's Great Music, and what makes it Great is that you can DO THINGS TO IT, and it's still the same Great Work of Art.

[@Quintessentguy]

Very well researched with intelligent comments, and thanks for sharing.

[@TheBassfresh]

"it's a cover, not a transcription"... this recording/rendition is fantastic...so many are obsessed with everything except finding their own sound / approach.

[@vinceleonberger5362]

thanks for posting band members.